Homeschool Mother's Journal: March 8, 2013

In my life this week:

After our recent Disneyland vacation, we have been trying to get back to our normal routines. Before the official "work week" started, we bowled two games at our local bowling alley. During the week, Aidyn updated his P.E. and karate classmates and teachers on his fun vacation. We slowly cycled back into homeschooling and began an Indiana Jones/Adventureland unit study.

In our homeschool this week:

We started a new chapter book read-aloud: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom by Suzanne Weyn and learned about the seven continents using our maps, some worksheets and videos. Because much of Temple of Doom takes place in India, we are focusing our unit of "exotic locales" in that beautiful country. Therefore, we watched a favorite, Kipling-based animated short film, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.

We still have been reviewing short vowels sounds in Sadlier Phonics, learning doubles in California Math, and speeding through Victory Drills.

Because our current unit study is largely social studies-based, our morning exercises have been as well. Here, I labeled his board "My Expanding World" and made three columns with the headers of home, neighborhood and state (California). We brainstormed objects we would find in each place and watched as our world expanded.

At his art class, which his dad took him to, he made a fire ant and began a bald eagle project. I'm excited to see how he will finish it next week.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share...
  
We had a bit of a rough day on Wednesday when Aidyn was just not connecting math patterns he was learning with new types of problems. I learned two things that day: to resist forcing him to see and use patterns in math before he finds them and understands them himself and to not take so personally his struggles. One thing that I dislike about this math book we are using is that it seems to force learners to see math patterns and put them into practice immediately. I would like to do more hands-on activities to help him see patterns on his own.

Places we're going and people we're seeing...

Aidyn is happy to be among his best pals after our long trip. He has spent nearly every afternoon this week outside with his troupe of buddies, riding bikes, playing with the Galactic Ooze he bought himself, running races, and playing games. His cousin came over one day, and he brought her out and introduced her to his friends. Besides the bowling alley and his extra classes, we have stayed pretty close to home in comparison to last week!

My favorite thing this week was...

This. 
My kiddo's favorite thing this week...

Our neighbor has a relative who works for Disney, and he brought all the neighborhood kids a copy of the new Wreck-It Ralph, which Aidyn has watched three times already. He loves it!

Things I'm working on...

I'm still trying to slow down and just enjoy what we do. But sometimes being the planner, the organizer, and the motivator makes this difficult. I need to always remind myself that we are all learners.

I'm cooking...

More meals from Miserly Moms! I made her Taco Soup, which was delicious, Mushroom-Onion Chicken (again because it's a hit!), and Homemade Chicken Soup. Every meal was cost-efficient, nutritious and delicious!

...and I promise I get absolutely no compensation for stating so.

I'm grateful for... 

The opportunities we have to learn and grow in this world. 

I'm hoping for...

The continued energy and ability to partake on adventures of all kinds.

I rewarded my kid this week by...

For some reason, Aidyn was exceptionally responsible this week, so I "bragged" about him to his dad and grandma (within his earshot) so that he knew how much I appreciated and admired his choices.

Something I am ogling or have my eye on...

A photo, link, or a quote to share...

:)